5 Easy Ways To Freshen Up Your Music Library For 2013

I will be the first to admit I tend to get stuck in a music hole when it comes to what I listen to on a daily basis. Well my music loving friends, I have come up with a few ways to keep my ears filled with new music this year. This doesn’t mean I will ditch listening to Riot!constantly, I just want an opportunity to freshen things up. #musicrules.

Here are a few tricks to spice up your musical library this year. Is there anything better than discovering a band before your friends?! Uhh…yeah..no.

1. Spotify.

This has become my very favorite app in the entire world. I can stream tons of music on my iPhone and via my computer. I also love the radio feature. This is similar to Pandora and keeps track of what I am listening to and recommends other bands based off what I am listening to. It has been a source of discovering new music — as well as re-discovering albums I haven’t listened to in a while. I love Spotify and it’s free if you are connected to the Internet. Zang.

2. Show up early to shows.

One of my favorite discoveries in 2012 was Arkells. Arkells opened for LIGHTSthis year and blew me away. Their live performance was amazing and it was a great way to be introduced to their music. I also have to thank Paramorefor the introduction toKitten. A girl-fronted band that opened Paramore’s Pomona show last year.

Let’s face it, all of the bands we love today had to open for someone before (yes, even All Time Low) — so show up early and treat yourself to a new band you might fall in love with!

3. Trust your friends.

Another favorite band I am walking away 2012 with is Athletics. Athletics is a post-rock band, suggested to me from a long-time friend Adam. See Adam knows exactly what I am into and has great taste in music; so I trust him. When I went toBamboozlethis past year, he told me I had to check out this band the night before the festival. I showed up to a small bar and was treated to what would become afavorite of 2012.I quickly became friends with the guys in the band and because of their music have found tons of other post-rock bands. It was even a new genre for me! So, thanks Adam!

4. Music Festivals.

Music festivals are a guaranteed way to see tons of new music in one day. They are designed to give you tons of new acts at your fingertips — and like I mentioned earlier, seeing a band live as your first exposure can be very memorable. I saw Justice(an act honestly I would never have seen live)at Coachella this year and man it was a scene!

5. Read.

Sure music is absorbed via our ears — but reading interviews with band you love, magazines, books, and websites (ahem, Buzznet) that cover music will provide you with up and coming acts you can get into. Also interviews with your favorite band might discuss bands they are getting into.

Perfect, a suggestion from someone you respect!

So there are a few ideas to help you keep you open to new music in 2013.